Karim Benzema confident Al-Ittihad will hit even greater heights as 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League season gets underway

JEDDAH: Karim Benzema is calling on Al-Ittihad to “achieve even more” as the Roshn Saudi League champions begin their title defense when the 2025-26 season gets underway this week.

Al-Ittihad were the dominant domestic team last season, winning the RSL trophy by eight points to reclaim the title they last won in 2023, before claiming a historic double by defeating Al-Qadsiah in the Kings Cup final with a 3-1 victory.

Benzema scored twice in that final to conclude a phenomenal second season in Saudi football. The French forward scored 25 goals across both competitions, including 21 goals and a further nine assists in the RSL. In addition to the team trophies, Benzema picked up the ultimate individual accolade by being named the Saudi Pro League’s Player of the Season.

Reflecting on the success of last season, Benzema said: “I’m very happy finally to have won the league and the cup, which were very important. For me the most important thing is collective trophies. Then, to win an individual award, as I always say, it’s thanks to all my teammates at the club. So, thank you to them, and thank you to the fans as well.

“I said before that one way or another, I was going to win in Saudi Arabia. Thanks also to the people who put their trust in me. We won trophies all together. I’m someone who doesn’t give up until I achieve my goals. It was a lot of hard work, so I’m super happy and I hope it continues.”

The former Ballon d’Or winner also reserved special praise for Al-Ittihad’s supporters.

“We’re lucky to have the best supporters in Saudi,” he said. “Whether at home or away, they’re there. They sing, they push us forward. We always need what’s called the ‘12th man,’ the support of the fans. There’s a real connection with